Sony a350 cityscape lens recommendation

mortm

mortm

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Melanie
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When I go on my travels on city breaks I've been using the standard 18-70mm kit lens. Looking for something a bit better and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations... for the extremely budget conscious? Off to Venice in a month and have somehow managed to persuade myself this is an excuse to spend a little... little being the operative word

Mel
 
Sigma 10-20 perhaps, but you're talking at least 300 dohlar!! (well $519 to be precise)
 
Thanks Candlestick, I was thinking along the lines of the Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC Lens, I only like taking one lens away with me so this would give a nice range but is it any better than the Sony stock lens. I have heard people moan about the kit stock lenses but no one really offers alternatives at the same price. So confusing :thinking:
 
I was looking at the Sigma candlestick mentions but just couldn"t afford it but managed to pick up a s/h Tamron 17-50 F2.8 to replace the Sony kit lens.
 
mortm said:
When I go on my travels on city breaks I've been using the standard 18-70mm kit lens. Looking for something a bit better and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations... for the extremely budget conscious? Off to Venice in a month and have somehow managed to persuade myself this is an excuse to spend a little... little being the operative word

Mel
Click to expand...

A bit better in what way?
The kit lens covers a usefull range and can be quite sharp when stopped down. Are you looking for better low light capability? Wider angle? Better image quality?
I've recently bought the Tamron 17-50 f2.8. It's constant f2.8 makes it a much better low light lens than the kit. It's sharp from wide open and I think it's at least as sharp as my 17-35 2.8/4 KM with a better range. There are occasions when I miss that extra bit of range to 70mm but on the whole it's good enough for me to take my kit lens, 17-35 and 50mm primes out of my bag and just carry the Tamron instead.
As far as super zooms go the Tamron 18-250 seems to be the one that everyone raves about. I'd find the aperture a bit restrictive for what I like to shoot but each to their own...
 
mortm said:
Thanks Candlestick, I was thinking along the lines of the Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC Lens, I only like taking one lens away with me so this would give a nice range but is it any better than the Sony stock lens. I have heard people moan about the kit stock lenses but no one really offers alternatives at the same price. So confusing :thinking:
Click to expand...

It will obviously give you more range than you current kit lens allowing you to get some photo's that you would otherwise be unable to get, however I would seriously doubt that it is significantly better quality than you existing lens.

The one lens solution on a DSLR is always a compromise bettween quality and range and not one i'm keen on! One of the main advantages of having an SLR is the ability to change to the best lens for the given situation so insisting on carrying only one lens will limit the quality of your output.

Personally for you city picture requirment I'd be looking at an ultra wide like the Sigma 10-20 previously mentioned, or if you simply want a better quality lens to replace your kit one I'd have a look at the sigma 17-70 which is very well reviewed. If you want some more length which your interest in the 18-200 implies I'd have a look on the bay of e for a second hand minolta 'beercan' which would fill the need nicely for a very good price.
 
The Tamron 18-250 is great during the day, but'll hunt like hell when then sun goes down,
 
Thanks gents

Just had a look and there is a Sigma 10 -20 going on the bay. 5 days to go so will see if it stays within budget. Wouldn't take up too much room in the bag. Probably don't need a lens anyway need to improve my skills way before my lenses just went through a 'need to shop' phase... now where is that chocolate.

Mel :love:
 
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